Minn. Lawmaker to Introduce Bill Mandating Fair Gas Pricing

Updated: 01/13/2014 10:47 AM KSTP.com
By: Jennie Olson

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever wondered why gas prices vary from station to station?

A Minnesota lawmaker wants to know.

On Monday, DFL Rep. Dan Schoen will file legislation over fair gas pricing. He says he’s heard several complaints that Northern Tier Energy, the owner of SuperAmerica convenience stores, is charging customers more near its refinery in St. Paul Park.

He noted that on Thursday a gallon of regular at the St. Paul Park SuperAmerica was $3.25, but at a SuperAmerica in Burnsville -- just 20 miles away -- the price was $3.09.

Schoen says he’s asked Northern Tier for an explanation but hasn’t received one. His bill states that companies that own both gas refineries and retail locations in Minnesota must offer consumers the same price within a 35-mile radius.

The legislation will not affect current state minimum pricing laws already on the book.